Marvin Wootan, 75

Marvin W. Wootan, 75, of Indian Cove, died Oct. 20, 2005, in an auto accident near Ely, Nev.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, Oct. 25, in Glenns Ferry at Three Island Crossing State Park. Arrangements were under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, Mountain Home.

Marvin was born on April 12, 1930, in Wilcox, Ariz., to Robert and Stella (Rice) Wootan.

He was schooled in Arizona and Glenns Ferry and graduated from Glenns Ferry High School in 1948.

While in Arizona he spent four years living on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Kayenta, Ariz. He enjoyed his time there learning of the Native-American traditions of the area and spending quality time with new friends.

He then attended Albion Collage for a time.

Marv farmed in the Glenns Ferry and Indian Cove areas most of his life.

"Marv's real joys in life was talking to all his many friends and being with people of all ages," his family said. "All the kids called him Grandpa. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the pride of his life."

Marv was one of the founding members of the annual Three Island Crossing event, a re-enactment of the pioneer crossing of the Snake River at Glenns Ferry, and worked hard to make it safe and enjoyable to all the visitors to the crossing each year. He took pride in doing the event, on his horse Gypsy, and with the oxen, Jake and Josh, pulling the wagon safely across the river.

Marv also worked at the Academy of Equine Dentistry of Glenns Ferry.

Marv is survived by: his wife of 25 years, Nancy Wootan of Indian Cove; sons Wes Wootan and his wife, Christine, of Glenns Ferry, and Wayne Wootan and his wife, Vangie, of Oregon City, Ore.; daughters Marva Schwager and her husband, Randy, of Boise, Dorothy Marie Patchin and her husband, Dennis, of Spokane, Wash.; sons David Carpenter of Lyons, Ore., and Mark Carpenter and his wife, Stephenie, of Hammett; brothers Gene Wootan of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and Howard Wootan of Phoenix, Ariz.; 21 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter.

Memorials may be sent to the Three Island Crossing Committee, c/o Roy Allen 3951 E. Montgomery Rd., King Hill, ID 83633, or the Three Island Interpretive Center in Glenns Ferry.